No position at The University of Oklahoma inspires more passion than quarterback. Quarterback battles have been known to take over the entire state since Nate Hybl and Jason White locked up for the title of Sooner starter following the departure of Josh Heupel after the 2000 season.

Paul Thompson and Rhett Bomar put on a similar battle heading into the 2004 season.

Now the Sooners are set for their third major quarterback battle as Thompson hands the reins to another signal caller following the Fiesta Bowl.

And two of the main players in that impending competition, Joey Halzle and Sam Bradford, have already started making their impressions during the early bowl practices.

"I'm trying to get that (quarterback competition) going a little bit and working those guys," said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. "Paul's doing just enough to stay into it but Joey and Sam are getting the bulk of the work going 50/50."